20 Most Popular Books May 2017

The first season of “American Gods” the TV show aired on April 30. As we see each month, TV and movies often drive what books appear on the most popular list. No doubt this explains “American Gods” rising to number four on the most popular books list.

The season finale for “American Gods” is tomorrow, so it’s possible we’ll see the book dropping off the list in June.

Another book benefitting from the entertainment industry is “The Circle”. This book rose four spots to number seven, its highest placement yet on the list. A film version of “The Circle” starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks premiered on April 30.

And as expected, “Half Girlfriend” remained in the most popular books list. The Chetan Bhagat novel rose three spots in May. A film based on the book opened May 19 in theaters.

Making its debut on the chart, “The Handmaid’s Tale” appears in the 17th spot. A Hulu show based on the book began airing in late April.

And perhaps out of interest in its 50th anniversary, “The Outsiders” also debuts on the chart this month. The book was first published on April 24, 1967.

Falling off the list is “Big Little Lies”. This is a significant drop after the book was number three on the April chart.